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Car will crank, but won't start

Tiny
JP2464
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 CHEVROLET CORSICA
  • 82,358 MILES
When it was still running, the speedometer would zero out, and the car would chug until it lost all power. After sitting for a while, it would start and run for a short time. The computer returned no codes what-so-ever. So, I checked the ignition, and found no spark. I replaced the module and coils, and have good spark. Car ran for 3 miles and gave a repeat performance. Towed it home, and checked fuel pressure; 43 psi before the regulator, and 9-13 after. The cylinders are returning 150+ psi compression. As the computer was unresponsive, I bought a replacement. The only thing out of the ordinary is the cooling fan kicks on as soon as the key is turned on without the engine starting. I traced the lines to find the relay. I was expecting to find some "creative" splicing that was feeding power into a data line, but nope. Any suggestions?
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Monday, December 26th, 2011 AT 10:29 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Do you have a TBI or a MPFI system? I'm confused with your fuel pressures
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Monday, December 26th, 2011 AT 10:34 PM
Tiny
JP2464
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
2.0l TBI
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Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 AT 5:02 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check if the injectors are pulsing
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Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 AT 10:51 PM
Tiny
JP2464
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
One injector on TBI; yes, it sprays. I've also pulled the alternator and starter and had them tested at Advance. Both check out, so they were re-installed.
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Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 AT 2:18 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Verify the valve and ignition timing are correct
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Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 AT 2:34 PM
Tiny
JP2464
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Cylinders are all producing 150+ PSI. Is that possible with valve timing off? Ignition timing is crank triggered. New module and coils installed. Wires are installed in correct order onto coil packs. The problem is intermittant it seems. As the battery was drawn down, it got progressively worse.
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Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 AT 3:11 PM
Tiny
JP2464
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It seems that corrosion had formed on the connectors to the ECM. After using terminal cleaner and di-lectric gel, all seems to be normal. Thanks for the assistance.
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Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 AT 6:52 PM

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